Dotty’s getting broody at Topping Fold library

Visitors to Topping Fold Community Centre and Library can see how a new “mum” of the feathered variety is getting on.

Dotty is one of three hens that live in the library’s community garden, and is currently sitting on a batch of eggs.

The Light Sussex hens are good breeders, and don’t usually become broody – but Dotty, however, is. She has therefore been confined to a separate coop to keep the eggs warm and safe which will hopefully hatch over the next 21 days.

About six weeks after hatching, the mother hen generally doesn’t want to be bothered with the chicks, so at this point some of them will go to live at the home of a local resident and the others will go to live on a local farm.

The coop which houses Dotty and her brood was built by volunteers who look after the hens and also the community garden.

The garden and the hens can be viewed at all times the library is normally open. If you would like to volunteer to help in the community garden, call 0161 253 7890 or email topping.lib@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 30 April 2013.

Picture attached: Dotty getting broody.